The two beloved lions above the Royal Albion’s north entrance have been taken away.

The west wing of the old section of the hotel in King’s Road, Brighton, is being demolished after last weekend's fire.

Wooden boxes were placed over the lions yesterday to protect them from falling rubble but this afternoon contractors were seen removing the sculptures using heavy machinery.

 

READ MORE: Brighton: Pictures show demolition of Royal Albion hotel

The old part of the building was named the Lion Mansions hotel in the mid-1800s when notable names like Oscar Wilde and former prime minister William Gladstone stayed there.

Lion Mansions was then incorporated into the Royal Albion hotel.

The Argus is awaiting confirmation from Brighton and Hove City Council on where the lions have gone, but it is believed they have been relocated to avoid damage.